- The Federal Government issued a travel alert to Nigerians planning to travel to the United Kingdom
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted the press release on their X handle
- Nigerians react, some happy over the travel alert
The Federal government has issued a travel alert to Nigerians planning to travel to the United Kingdom.
Following the protests and civil unrest in some parts of the UK, Nigerians have been advised to be vigilant and avoid crowded areas.
This was contained in a press release posted on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ handle on X and signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, on Monday, August 5.
The ministry also warned Nigerians to avoid rallies, protests and crowded areas
The statement reads: “There is an increased risk of violence and disorder ocassioned by the recent riots in the UK, stemming from the killing of 3 young girls at a concert. The violence has assumed dangerous proportions as evidenced by reported attacks on Law enforcement agents and damage to infrastructure.
“To this end, citizens are advised to be extra vigilant and take measures as follows: Avoid political processions and protests, rallies or marches, avoid crowded areas and large gatherings, be vigilant and self aware at all times, contact the High Commission with a view to passing information that could be of interest via email and telephone hc@nigeria.org.uk, +442078391244.”
According to Sky News, the riots and violence in the UK erupted after three girls were killed in a knife attack at a concert. The suspect, Axel Rudakubana, is rumoured to be an asylum seeker thereby placing a target on the backs of asylum seekers and foreigners.
Netizens react to the travel alert
Netizens have reacted to the travel alert issued by the Foreign Affairs ministry, giving them accolades for alerting Nigerians to the violence going on in the UK. Others were happy that Nigeria issued the alert because the UK issued a Nigeria travel advisory recently.
Some Nigerians think travel alerts should be issued for other countries as well, like Lebanon, Iran and other countries in the Middle East.
Here are some of the comments:
@LA_daLord posted: “The world is really coming full circle, I never thought I’d see the day when Nigeria will issue travel alert for the UK.”
@IaMaNtOniODk posted: “I never thought I'd see the day, even in a million years, when Nigeria would issue a travel alert to its citizens. I love this. 😂 Energy! “
@MalcomX_The_Gr8 posted: “There should be a travel advisory alert to Lebanon, Iran and Israel too.”
@nigerianoise posted: “Very important to protect our citizens from thord world violence.”
@F_tabawa posted: “Few days ago, London issued a Nigeria travel advisory & now we are returning the favor. What a time to be alive.”
@adejimi_felix posted: “Please be good ambassadors of Nigeria. Stay away from internal conflicts and debates in the foreign land where you reside. May the good God continue to protect & guide you wherever you are.. We love you & keep you in our prayers.”
@Dprince_warley posted: “You are doing a good job. Please sensitise our citizens to be safe. If it was the other way round they would have issued a memo as well.”
@LyleSckeepers posted: “British tabloids not gon like this after they labeled Nigeria as "one the most dangerous countries in the world " when H&M visited.”
@teidouaaron posted: “See small yansh dey shake 🫨 o😂 Nothing Nigerian government no go use to throw shades. Tueh!”
We need more time, Interior Minister Olubunmi-Ojo pleads with Nigerians
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, appealed to Nigerians to give President Tinubu more time to fix the issues battling the country.
Tunji-Ojo said the country was going through a surgical process and would have to go through some pain before healing. He also stated that the administration was still young to be judged.